Flight: EY18 LHR - AUH
Plane: Aurbus A380-800
Class: First Class
Seat: 4K
Booking
The interesting fact is that American is one of the few airlines with which you can redeem miles with Etihad, along with ANA and Asiana) . The opportunity is too good and for only 40K miles LHR-AUH way (remember a return economy USA-Europe is also 40K miles). Based on availability, I flew the London-Abu Dhabi route on flight EY18. For the return I ended up trying Qatar Airways AUH-DOH-LHR but in economy.
For reference, to book with AA Miles, you should check availability on the Etihad Guest website. You want to look for an open "Guest Seat". As shown below, I was lucky to see that one seat was up for grabs one week prior to departure. I then had to call American Airlines to hold, then ticket the award without any trouble.
When it came to pick my seat, I had a look at SeatGuru and realized that foward-facing seats are only located at rows 2 and 4. However, only row 4 offers a window view.
I managed to grab seat 4K right after my reservation got ticketed.
After my online check-in, I got my Passbook boarding pass.
Trying the Etihad Chauffeur Service to LHR
Etihad provides a Chauffeur Service on both ends of your destination for Business, First class customers and Etihad own elite flyers. The only exception is if you are connecting. In order to get the most of this experience, I did not book any connecting flights.
Booking is arranged online, but I would advise to call to confirm your times. The Etihad hotline is very helpful and the wait is minimal.
24 hours before my flight I received both a text and a email confirming my Chauffeur service. On the departure day, I receive a text when my chauffeur has arrived at my hotel. On-board a BMW 5-Series, I got an excellent service. It is important to note that the Chauffeur Service is managed by local providers and not by Etihad themselves. MY driver told me his company has a contract with Etihad and Emirates.
My driver very professional and friendly. He actually told me he drove Richard Branson to catch the same flight I was going to fly the day before. Maybe it was just benchmarking or a sign of a future alliance Virgin Atlantic and Etihad.
Upon arrival at London heathrow Terminal 4 after an hour drive from Canary Wharf, an Etihad display greets me.
Here is the car that drove me to the airport.
Check-in process and Security
Once arrived inside the terminal, I check the monitors and find quickly my way to the right premium check-in area.
There is already a passenger in front of me, but one of the staff is proactive and prints my boarding pass from another desk so that I don't have to wait.
Frustrating but not unusual at Heathrow, the Fast Track security lines tend to be quite long. Especially late afternoon and early evening when most international long haul flights leave. Fast Track looking good from afar.
Disappointing line around the corner. It took me 15 minutes to clear security.
Etihad Lounge - London Heathrow Termminal 4
The lounge is directly opposite the boarding gate.
Once arrived I get a tour after being asked if it was my first time in this lounge.
The lounge was rather small and felt cramped with a limited view on the tarmac. But the service was excellent. Immediately after I settled on a sofa, the spa manager offered me to book an appointment for a complimentary 15-minute massage.
I opted for a back and shoulder massage, that was very relaxing before my flight.
I decided to try the sit-down service and below was the menu. Promising but not amazing.
Chicken was dry but the couscous and the vegetables were tasty. I was quite disappointed by the quality of the food in the lounge.However, the staff was very professional and friendly.
Desserts from the buffet were average.
The bathroom area is very clean, which is positive judging by the number of people in the lounge an hour before departure.
Indeed, the real negative aspect of this lounge is its small size for 100+ premium and Elite passengers. Etihad should really invest in a separate lounge for First Class
Boarding
Before boarding is announced in the lounge, I head down to the gate. Boarding is slightly delayed so I take a seat, anxious to get on-board!
I take this opportunity to look up my bird of the day. It is the A6-APA aircraft, which is actually the first A380-800 delivered to Etihad in December 2014.
I am the first to board on the upper deck.
Richard, Food and Beverage Manager, guides me to my seat (on the right of the picture) after a warm welcome at the aircraft door.
The first impression of the cabin is stunning! Great feeling of space with no overhead bins. The Apartment walls are fairly high and the general atmosphere is cozy with the ceiling stylish lighting. At the back, on the left, the Residence doors were closed as it was occupied, so no chance to snap a picture.
I start to walk around the cabin to look at the other Apartments. Here is an example of a non-window Apartment with 1H. The position is not ideal as the seat is close to the aisle and has no external view while seated. Besides 1H is right behind the lavatories and the shower.
Bathroom view with a stylish sink.
Etihad First Apartement
I get back to my Apartment, glad to have selected a window seat. The throne is large and comfortable. The header rest could be better designed, more on the rough side currently.
As I am exploring my Apartment, Champagne is served. It is the Grande Année Bollinger 2005 Brut. Samantha, my flight attendant, also brings a warm oshibori.
To the left of the seat, the seat commands are easy and functional.
To the right, the quality and the weight of the table is impressive.
Opposite the throne, the couch of the Apartment that turns into a bed is massive. The Etihad First blanket, pajamas and headphones.
The mattress for the bed is tuchked in on the side of the Apartment.
I had quite some fun with the electrical window shades.
Dates are offered with my champagne along with a welcome note from the Cabin Manager Stephanie.
The branded champagne glass is a nice touch.
The welcome screen of the IFE is great as it shows the name of the cabin crew assigned to my service. Stephanie actually came to introduce herself and being Canadian we spoke French for a good 15 minutes.
On the left of the seat above the seat commands is the remote which can display the flight path while the main screen shows entertainment.
The main menu is clear and easy to navigate, thanks to the huge screen. It is worth noticing the lack of recent American or Western movies, on the contrary the selection for Indian, Asian or Middle Eastern entertainment is impressive.
Besides, the direction of Mecca is always displayed during our flight.
The in-flight and duty free shopping magazines, as well as the safety instructions.
In the Etihad magazine, I find the fleet, including an interesting rendition of the 787, which looks more like an A380...
Before take-off, menu is presented to me by the on-board chef Abhey, who takes my order.
The food selection is not impressive for a First Class.
The option of the Grill is attractive and I picked the Rib-Eye steak.
The Champagne, wines and drinks is extensive but not overwhelming.
In flight-experince
Take-off is very quiet and for my second flight on an A380, I am always impressed
The headset is average and not satisfactory for a First Class.
Another view from the throne in my Apartment.
Focus on the life jacket access on the side of the seat.
The new Etihad branding is easy on the eye, especially on the pillow and the cabin interior.
I then taste the Champagne Duval Leroy rosé.
Dinner
The dinner table is set by Richard, who used to work at Selfridges and has been trained as a butler at the Savoy Hotel in London.
Silverware is branded.
Salmon-based amuse-bouche.
Fine China is being used.
For starters, I picked the middle eastern Mezze, which were tasty.
Green apple sorbet to cleanse my palet.
I was pretty impressed by the main course as the Rib-Eye Steak was perfectly cooked medium rare as I asked.
View from the dining room of my Apartment from my couch.
While all of the other passengers were trying to get some sleep, I decided to try the cheese. The pairing with the very good Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 really helped.
Dessert was average, I picked the cherry clafoutis and pistachio that turned out to be a bit dry. I was hungry not anymore after my 5-course meal anyway.
Still full from my meal, champagne and wine, I wanted to take a relaxing shower. Just trying to avoid the crowd right before landing where most people try to shower.
Shower is easy to use, water is warm and I couldn't help smiling realizing that I was taking a shower up in the air.
Good-quality amenity products can be used by passengers.
Hand towels for the sink.
The Lobby aboard the Etihad A380
Pretty much half way through the flight while all the passengers are sleeping, I went to try the on-board lounge, branded as The Lobby.
I got a Taylor's Port, perfect way to end my meal.
Here is the available beverage selection in the lounge.
The Lobby is comfortable and can welcome 6 passengers. There a TV but having the space for myself was definitely a treat.
The Apartement Bed
Upon returning to my seat, the bed is made and here is the view from the entrace way of my Apartment.
View from the opposite side.
Opposite the bed is a refrigerated mini-bar.
Next to the Apartment door, a small closet for your coat.
Getting ready for landing
I had asked Richard to wake me up an hour prior landing. After a small night, I get a strwberry smoothie and an oshibori.
I request a tea as I am not hungry for a full breakfast.
Approaching Abu Dhabi.
Sunrise on the United Arab Emirates' capital.
View on Yas Island and the Ferrari World.
Final approach.
Landing
Soft landing with a view from the aircraft tail camera.
The new livery looks very modern compared to the old one.
777 old livery.
Arriving at the gate.
Arrival screen on the IFE.
I receive a Fast Track voucher for passport control.
First class passengers exit first as Business passengers are blocked by the crew. Last view of my plane.
Etihad Arrival Lounge in Abu Dhabi
Fast Track lines are empty, no wait for me.
The Lounge is after baggage claim.
Warm welcome in the lounge, I got a confirmation that my Chauffeur was waiting for me.
Small but comfortable space, perfect to get breakfast before heading to the city.
Only cold breakfast with pastries and sandwiches.
No wait to take a shower.
The Chauffeur service is in the terminal, I had to exit the lounge to get to the dedicated counter.
Thanks to my online booking that I confirmed on the phone, the staff had my details on file and I get assigned an available chauffeur. I ended up staying in the lounge an hour after landing and there was no issue or delay in getting a car. An Audi A6 was waiting for me outside. In less than 2 minutes after exiting the lounge, I am on the road to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Arriving at the Mosque.
Conclusion
My Etihad First Apartment experience was impressive and truly unique, as the hard product on the A380 is revolutionary. The amount of privacy and comfort is ideal, but the catering could be improved with a more extensive selection of wines and a better food presentation. The staff was perfect, both friendly and professional. You definitely feel valued as a customer.
The ground experience could be improved in London with a bigger lounge and dedicated First Fast Track security lines. But the Chauffeur service is awesome in London and in the UAE.
I definitely recommend flying Etihad, ideally for longer flights than I did, so that you can enjoy all the Apartment has to offer.
Follow me on Twitter for my latest travel @flyingvinny
Plane: Aurbus A380-800
Class: First Class
Seat: 4K
Happy New Year!
To kick-off 2016, I am excited and proud to report my flight experience on the very exclusive First
Apartment on Etihad Airways on the A380-800 aircraft. The actual flight was taken back in September last year but I am now catching up on my blogging duties.
The
new Etihad A380 truly offers a new way to travel in luxury with the unique
concept of the Apartment and the Residence. It is an aspirational product that
I really wanted to try out and of course share with you.
The
A380 is the only one in the Etihad fleet that includes 9 First Apartments and 1
Residence per aircraft as well as 70 Business Class suites and 415 economy
seats. This product is not available on 777 for example. There are not a lot of
routes operated by the A380, the only rotations are LHR-AUH-SYD with several
flights per day.
Here is a picture of the aircraft I snapped upon landing at Abu Dhabi.
Booking
My
routing way not too complicated, it actually started with a work trip
in London that allowed me to nest a small London – Abu Dhabi trip a couple of weeks ago. The retail
cost for a one-way First Apartment ticket is a whopping £3,036, or about $4,637.
Luckily, it is also just 40,000 American Advantage Miles.
The interesting fact is that American is one of the few airlines with which you can redeem miles with Etihad, along with ANA and Asiana) . The opportunity is too good and for only 40K miles LHR-AUH way (remember a return economy USA-Europe is also 40K miles). Based on availability, I flew the London-Abu Dhabi route on flight EY18. For the return I ended up trying Qatar Airways AUH-DOH-LHR but in economy.
For reference, to book with AA Miles, you should check availability on the Etihad Guest website. You want to look for an open "Guest Seat". As shown below, I was lucky to see that one seat was up for grabs one week prior to departure. I then had to call American Airlines to hold, then ticket the award without any trouble.
When it came to pick my seat, I had a look at SeatGuru and realized that foward-facing seats are only located at rows 2 and 4. However, only row 4 offers a window view.
I managed to grab seat 4K right after my reservation got ticketed.
After my online check-in, I got my Passbook boarding pass.
Trying the Etihad Chauffeur Service to LHR
Etihad provides a Chauffeur Service on both ends of your destination for Business, First class customers and Etihad own elite flyers. The only exception is if you are connecting. In order to get the most of this experience, I did not book any connecting flights.
Booking is arranged online, but I would advise to call to confirm your times. The Etihad hotline is very helpful and the wait is minimal.
24 hours before my flight I received both a text and a email confirming my Chauffeur service. On the departure day, I receive a text when my chauffeur has arrived at my hotel. On-board a BMW 5-Series, I got an excellent service. It is important to note that the Chauffeur Service is managed by local providers and not by Etihad themselves. MY driver told me his company has a contract with Etihad and Emirates.
My driver very professional and friendly. He actually told me he drove Richard Branson to catch the same flight I was going to fly the day before. Maybe it was just benchmarking or a sign of a future alliance Virgin Atlantic and Etihad.
Upon arrival at London heathrow Terminal 4 after an hour drive from Canary Wharf, an Etihad display greets me.
Here is the car that drove me to the airport.
Check-in process and Security
Once arrived inside the terminal, I check the monitors and find quickly my way to the right premium check-in area.
There is already a passenger in front of me, but one of the staff is proactive and prints my boarding pass from another desk so that I don't have to wait.
Frustrating but not unusual at Heathrow, the Fast Track security lines tend to be quite long. Especially late afternoon and early evening when most international long haul flights leave. Fast Track looking good from afar.
Disappointing line around the corner. It took me 15 minutes to clear security.
Etihad Lounge - London Heathrow Termminal 4The lounge is directly opposite the boarding gate.
I follow the signs and head downstairs.
Once arrived I get a tour after being asked if it was my first time in this lounge.
The lounge was rather small and felt cramped with a limited view on the tarmac. But the service was excellent. Immediately after I settled on a sofa, the spa manager offered me to book an appointment for a complimentary 15-minute massage.
I opted for a back and shoulder massage, that was very relaxing before my flight.
I decided to try the sit-down service and below was the menu. Promising but not amazing.
Chicken was dry but the couscous and the vegetables were tasty. I was quite disappointed by the quality of the food in the lounge.However, the staff was very professional and friendly.
Desserts from the buffet were average.
The bathroom area is very clean, which is positive judging by the number of people in the lounge an hour before departure.
Indeed, the real negative aspect of this lounge is its small size for 100+ premium and Elite passengers. Etihad should really invest in a separate lounge for First Class
Boarding
Before boarding is announced in the lounge, I head down to the gate. Boarding is slightly delayed so I take a seat, anxious to get on-board!
I take this opportunity to look up my bird of the day. It is the A6-APA aircraft, which is actually the first A380-800 delivered to Etihad in December 2014.
I am the first to board on the upper deck.
Richard, Food and Beverage Manager, guides me to my seat (on the right of the picture) after a warm welcome at the aircraft door.
The first impression of the cabin is stunning! Great feeling of space with no overhead bins. The Apartment walls are fairly high and the general atmosphere is cozy with the ceiling stylish lighting. At the back, on the left, the Residence doors were closed as it was occupied, so no chance to snap a picture.
Here is my Apartment in the sky, seat 4K for the next 7 hours.
The view once seated on the throne gives a good overview of the Apartment and the amount of privacy is exceptional on a commercial flight.
I start to walk around the cabin to look at the other Apartments. Here is an example of a non-window Apartment with 1H. The position is not ideal as the seat is close to the aisle and has no external view while seated. Besides 1H is right behind the lavatories and the shower.
Bathroom view with a stylish sink.
Etihad First Apartement
I get back to my Apartment, glad to have selected a window seat. The throne is large and comfortable. The header rest could be better designed, more on the rough side currently.
As I am exploring my Apartment, Champagne is served. It is the Grande Année Bollinger 2005 Brut. Samantha, my flight attendant, also brings a warm oshibori.
To the left of the seat, the seat commands are easy and functional.
To the right, the quality and the weight of the table is impressive.
Opposite the throne, the couch of the Apartment that turns into a bed is massive. The Etihad First blanket, pajamas and headphones.
The mattress for the bed is tuchked in on the side of the Apartment.
I had quite some fun with the electrical window shades.
Dates are offered with my champagne along with a welcome note from the Cabin Manager Stephanie.
The branded champagne glass is a nice touch.
The welcome screen of the IFE is great as it shows the name of the cabin crew assigned to my service. Stephanie actually came to introduce herself and being Canadian we spoke French for a good 15 minutes.
On the left of the seat above the seat commands is the remote which can display the flight path while the main screen shows entertainment.
The main menu is clear and easy to navigate, thanks to the huge screen. It is worth noticing the lack of recent American or Western movies, on the contrary the selection for Indian, Asian or Middle Eastern entertainment is impressive.
Besides, the direction of Mecca is always displayed during our flight.
The in-flight and duty free shopping magazines, as well as the safety instructions.
In the Etihad magazine, I find the fleet, including an interesting rendition of the 787, which looks more like an A380...
Before take-off, menu is presented to me by the on-board chef Abhey, who takes my order.
The food selection is not impressive for a First Class.
The option of the Grill is attractive and I picked the Rib-Eye steak.
The Champagne, wines and drinks is extensive but not overwhelming.
In flight-experince
Take-off is very quiet and for my second flight on an A380, I am always impressed
The headset is average and not satisfactory for a First Class.
Another view from the throne in my Apartment.
Focus on the life jacket access on the side of the seat.
The new Etihad branding is easy on the eye, especially on the pillow and the cabin interior.
I then taste the Champagne Duval Leroy rosé.
Dinner
The dinner table is set by Richard, who used to work at Selfridges and has been trained as a butler at the Savoy Hotel in London.
Silverware is branded.
Salmon-based amuse-bouche.
Fine China is being used.
For starters, I picked the middle eastern Mezze, which were tasty.
Green apple sorbet to cleanse my palet.
I was pretty impressed by the main course as the Rib-Eye Steak was perfectly cooked medium rare as I asked.
View from the dining room of my Apartment from my couch.
While all of the other passengers were trying to get some sleep, I decided to try the cheese. The pairing with the very good Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 really helped.
Dessert was average, I picked the cherry clafoutis and pistachio that turned out to be a bit dry. I was hungry not anymore after my 5-course meal anyway.
On-board shower
Still full from my meal, champagne and wine, I wanted to take a relaxing shower. Just trying to avoid the crowd right before landing where most people try to shower.
Shower is easy to use, water is warm and I couldn't help smiling realizing that I was taking a shower up in the air.
Good-quality amenity products can be used by passengers.
Hand towels for the sink.
The Lobby aboard the Etihad A380
Pretty much half way through the flight while all the passengers are sleeping, I went to try the on-board lounge, branded as The Lobby.
I got a Taylor's Port, perfect way to end my meal.
Here is the available beverage selection in the lounge.
The Lobby is comfortable and can welcome 6 passengers. There a TV but having the space for myself was definitely a treat.
The Apartement Bed
Upon returning to my seat, the bed is made and here is the view from the entrace way of my Apartment.
View from the opposite side.
Opposite the bed is a refrigerated mini-bar.
Next to the Apartment door, a small closet for your coat.
Getting ready for landing
I had asked Richard to wake me up an hour prior landing. After a small night, I get a strwberry smoothie and an oshibori.
I request a tea as I am not hungry for a full breakfast.
Approaching Abu Dhabi.
Sunrise on the United Arab Emirates' capital.
View on Yas Island and the Ferrari World.
Final approach.
Landing
Soft landing with a view from the aircraft tail camera.
The new livery looks very modern compared to the old one.
777 old livery.
Arriving at the gate.
Arrival screen on the IFE.
I receive a Fast Track voucher for passport control.
First class passengers exit first as Business passengers are blocked by the crew. Last view of my plane.
Etihad Arrival Lounge in Abu Dhabi
Fast Track lines are empty, no wait for me.
The Lounge is after baggage claim.
Warm welcome in the lounge, I got a confirmation that my Chauffeur was waiting for me.
Small but comfortable space, perfect to get breakfast before heading to the city.
Only cold breakfast with pastries and sandwiches.
No wait to take a shower.
The Chauffeur service is in the terminal, I had to exit the lounge to get to the dedicated counter.
Thanks to my online booking that I confirmed on the phone, the staff had my details on file and I get assigned an available chauffeur. I ended up staying in the lounge an hour after landing and there was no issue or delay in getting a car. An Audi A6 was waiting for me outside. In less than 2 minutes after exiting the lounge, I am on the road to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Arriving at the Mosque.
Conclusion
My Etihad First Apartment experience was impressive and truly unique, as the hard product on the A380 is revolutionary. The amount of privacy and comfort is ideal, but the catering could be improved with a more extensive selection of wines and a better food presentation. The staff was perfect, both friendly and professional. You definitely feel valued as a customer.
The ground experience could be improved in London with a bigger lounge and dedicated First Fast Track security lines. But the Chauffeur service is awesome in London and in the UAE.
I definitely recommend flying Etihad, ideally for longer flights than I did, so that you can enjoy all the Apartment has to offer.
Follow me on Twitter for my latest travel @flyingvinny
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